CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The commander of Air Mobility Command visited Charleston AFB Monday to see the Airmen of the premier C-17 wing here.
Team Charleston welcomed Gen. Duncan McNabb, a former Charleston squadron commander, to tour the base, get the Airmen's perspective, to see how the base executes the mission and how business can be done better. He was especially interested in how Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century is being implemented in daily operations to achieve sustained excellence.
The general saw Team Charleston's many AFSO 21 initiatives at the 437th Aerial Port Squadron, the 437th Maintenance Group and the 437th Operations Group.
"If our Airmen are our most precious resource, we should look for ways to eliminate wasting their time," he said. "We have a lot for the Airmen to do; there isn't any room for waste."
"He's a very down-to-earth person," said Airman 1st Class Aldea Hersel, 437 APS cargo processor, who briefed the general the truck dock procedures AFSO 21 initiative. "He wanted to hear what you say. He seemed very excited about being here."
General McNabb also had nothing but praise for the enlisted corps. He recounted a conversation he had with Russian generals during the '90s. When asked what they thought of the U.S. military they said: "Well, it's not your aircraft or ships or weapons -- we have all that. You're enlisted core is unlike anything we could imagine. If we were to face you in war -- that is where we would lose."
The general's visit was not just about AFSO 21 and an evolving Air Force; it was about recognizing Airmen for their sacrifice and willingness to put themselves in harm's way for their country. General McNabb presented seven Bronze Stars to Charleston Airmen during the large group meeting.
General McNabb also spoke of the speed and responsiveness the U.S. military now has in airlifting wounded Soldiers and Marines to get the medical care they need and how the 437 AW makes this possible.
"We will do everything possible to get them home safely," he said.
He also articulated the importance of fighting the Global War on Terrorism.
"We are talking about the future of mankind. It's not just for America, it's for the freedom of all people around the world," he said. "This truly is a fight of good over evil, of light over darkness, of hope over despair and of freedom over tyranny. What each of you do for the cause of freedom is huge. So I thank you."